Cool Caves to Visit

Bonnechere Caves

This summer, why not take your family to an attraction millions of years in the making! The twisting passageways of these caves come from thousands of centuries of groundwater seeping into limestone beneath the surface, and dissolving it. As the water table lowers, the passageways remain, revealing narrow tunnels and soaring caverns waiting to be discovered.

Plan your family’s next adventure with plenty of caves and experiences to choose from. Here are some of Ontario's popular caves – and what you’ll find during your visit to these million-year-old wonders.

Photo credit: Bonnechere Caves

Bonnechere Caves 1247 Fourth Chute Road, Eganville, ON
613-628-2283www.bonnecherecaves.com
The Bonnechere Caves are truly a unique experience for all ages. Millions of years in the making, the Bonnechere Caves are a thrill for the sightseer. Guided tours leave every twenty to thirty minutes and last approximately one hour except for weekdays in September when the tours are at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Located just 90 minutes from Algonquin Park and 80 minutes from Ottawa, in the town of Eganville, Ontario. Admission: Adults - $18.00, Seniors (65 +) - $16.00, Youth (13-17 years) - $14.00, Children (4-12) - $13.00, Under 4 - Free.

Photo credit: Bruce’s Caves Conservation Area

Bruce's Caves Conservation Area 502098 Grey County Road 1, Georgian Bluffs, ON
519-376-3076www.greysauble.on.ca
This property lies in the former Keppel Township, just off Grey County Road No. 26, 4.8 km northeast of Wiarton. Bruce's Caves Conservation area consists of 7 hectares of Niagara Escarpment and rock talus, upland hardwoods, wooded swamp, and caves with unique formations found along the escarpment face. These caves were formed by the wave action of post-glacial Lake Algonquin, 7,000 to 8,000 years ago. Click here for park admission rates.

Photo credit: Flowerpot Island

Flowerpot Island Caves Flowerpot Island, Ontario www.pc.gc.ca/en/amnc-nmca/on/fathomfive/activ/flowerpot
Flowerpot Island is 6.5km from Tobermory harbour and reached only by boat. Two private tour boat companies operate return trips from Tobermory to the island from mid May to mid October, weather permitting. Towering cliffs, strange rock formations, numerous caves, dense forest, glens, meadows, and flowers all surrounded by crystal clear water make Flowerpot Island one of the best attractions on the Peninsula. Other relics of the ancient sea that once covered all the Great Lakes area are the caves located 20 meters above Georgian Bay. The island is famous for its natural "flowerpot" rock pillars, caves, historic lightstation and rare plants. Most visitors take a tour boat from the town of Tobermory to spend a half or full day on the island hiking the trails, viewing the scenery, picnicking or swimming. Admission: Family - $14.70, Adult - $5.80, Senior - $4.90, Youth - $ 2.90. Passes are valid for 24 hours and the fee includes entry to the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory. Note that Tour boats are privately operated and fees apply.

Photo credit: Conservation Halton

Mount Nemo Conservation Area 5317 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON
905-854-0262
Website: www.conservationhalton.ca
Mount Nemo is home to one of the best and rare cliff edge ecosystems and cave systems in Ontario, on the Niagara Escarpment. Rich green ferns blanket limestone boulders scattered among old growth forests that are alive with jewel like birds. Crevice caves and ancient cedars, a thousand years old, can be seen all along the meandering cliff edge trail. Features viewing geological features such as crevice caves, cliffs, and talus slopes. Admission: Adult (15-64) - $6.75, Senior (65 & over) - $5.75, Child (5-14) - $5.00, Child (4 & under) - Free.

Photo credit: Conservation Halton

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area - Sheep Cave 7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON
905-854-0262www.conservationhalton.ca
The Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area has some of the most inspiring scenic viewing found anywhere. Five breathtaking lookouts dot the edge of towering cliffs of Ontario’s striking Niagara Escarpment. With excellent hiking trails, this natural environment park is perfect for that therapeutic walk in the woods during any season. Viewing geological features such as crevice caves, cliffs, and talus slopes. Admission: Adult (15-64) - $6.75, Senior (65 & over) - $5.75, Child (5-14) - $5.00, Child (4 & under) - Free.

Photo credit: Otonabee Conservation

Warsaw Caves289 Caves Road , Warsaw, ON
1-877-816-7604
Website: www.warsawcaves.com
Nestled in the valley of the Indian River, the conservation area offers a range of recreational opportunities the entire family or other group can enjoy. Includes 52 family campsites, 3 large group camp areas, 13 km of hiking trails, including a Caves and Limestone Plain Trail, 7 caves to explore and a scenic lookout over the river valley, sandy beach and swimming area on the Indian River, canoe launch and rentals, firewood, as well as picnic areas. Click here for admission rates.